Sessions IV: Exotica Syrup

Just got back from an amazing weekend in Ft. Lauderdale... my good friend the Bargoyle (Michael Sullivan, from Connecticut), turned 40 this weekend and decided to have his 4-0 bash at the famous Mai Kai Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. The Mai Kai is my absolute favorite place on Earth... and the perfect Polynesian paradise. The Mai Kai IS everything that is Tiki. Unbelievable cocktails with secret recipes, being made the same since 1956; a bar with tikis and rain pouring down the windows, and serving maidens in micro-mini sarongs and bikini tops; a huge, dark and glorious dining room with a live Polynesian dinner show, and wonderful food from a Chinese oven; a stunning Lanai with streams and waterfalls and ancient tikis; all in the glorious tropical weather of Florida. It simply is the most amazing place on Earth.

The exciting thing is, I get to come home to another world famous and glorious Tiki lounge - Forbidden Island! While I was in Florida, I dreamed up some new cocktails with one of my exciting syrups, a bitter chocolate orange syrup called "Exotica." This syrup is... just... wow. Fresh from Florida, here they are:

Exotica

The tropical beach at sunset. The sound of distant drums and the call of the conch. Bird calls, exotic vibraphone, Latin percussion, strong cocktails. Perfect Mid-century escapism was encapsulated in sound by the father of this amazing musical genre, Martin Denny. This cocktail is in honor of him. (Bitter Chocolate with orange, a taste of strong coffee, several rums and citrus juices).

Strawberry-a-Go-Go

Dress your strawberries up in chocolate, and go, go-go girl! Fresh strawberries, chocolate and bitter orange muddled to pure perfection, then topped with champagne.

Join the growing ranks of Sessions Bookholders, with all of their custom designed recipes in a tiny composition book, sitting here on our shelves at Forbidden Island. At the end of Sessions, each Bookholder takes all of those recipes home to keep. Learn the art of excellent mixology! Become the one everyone invites to parties because you'll be behind the bar! Just a few Sessions and you'll have the tools to have a great time at home and at parties, plus a book full of unique and innovative recipes to share. I want you to have a good time with me at Forbidden Island, and at home in your home bar, creating new specialties.

Come and try the fabulous Exotica syrup! Also, it's the first Wednesday of the month, so it's time for Otto's Grotto... exotica tunes, surf, 60s grooves, and more. Special guest DJ Jab also makes an appearance tonight. Don't miss it!

I'll see YOU, TONIGHT, at the Island!